Settling for the most inexpensive car on the lot may not be the best way to get the most for your money. Take, for example, the Toyota CorollaSedan. While it may be a bit more expensive than some competitors, the Corolla has an exemplary history of quality, longevity and reliability, not to mention a minimal appetite for fuel. Still, some shoppers will inevitably turn to the less-expensive and better-equipped models from Hyundai, Kia and Suzuki. But, buyer beware; for as these cars appear to offer more features and better styling for less money up front, when it comes trade-in time the Corolla owner will be laughing all the way to the bank.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a compact sedan with a reputation for reliability, great resale value and good fuel economy, the Corolla tops a very short list.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a small sedan with cutting-edge styling and a long list of standard features, the Corolla may not be your cup of tea. Those looking for a more stylish interior and the latest high-end options might want to check out the Mazda Mazda3 or Volkswagen Rabbit.

What's Significant About This Car?

The XRS model has been discontinued for 2007.

Driving the Corolla

Driving Impressions
No matter which trim level you choose, you'll get the same peppy 1.8-liter engine and five-speed manual transmission. Rated at 126 horsepower, the Corolla's engine uses a number of high-tech...

features to help it move quickly while sipping fuel at a miserly pace. Even with the optional four-speed automatic, the Corolla feels relatively quick on level surfaces, though it does struggle a bit in high elevations or with a carload of people onboard.

On the road, you'll find the Corolla a joy to drive. Its stable suspension returns a smooth ride, yet it's able to negotiate quick maneuvers without any loss of composure. Keep in mind the Corolla is not a sports car, but driven within reason the Corolla will always go where you point it and stop when you tell it to stop.

Optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Perhaps the most important safety feature since the invention of the airbag, VSC can help avoid accidents by keeping the car traveling in its intended direction.

2007 Toyota Corolla Details

Interior

The Corolla touts a beautifully-detailed cabin with firm, supportive seats, grade-A quality plastics and a rear seat that can actually accommodate two adults in relative comfort. As with most cars in this class, the radio and heating controls are placed in the center section for ease of operation, though with the Corolla you may find that operating the radio requires a bit of a reach. There are bins and storage compartments galore, including four separate cup holders.

Exterior

The Corolla features a tall body that raises the bumper height a few inches, a feature that comes in handy when tapping bumpers with today's monster SUVs. The styling is subtle but pleasant. The sporty S model looks the best of the three trims, but offers no additional horsepower or performance enhancements.

The Corolla's 1.8-liter engine remains one of the best in the industry. Though no hot-rod, there is enough pep under the hood to move the Corolla briskly and the engine's miserly fuel consumption is among the best in this class.

"Bought this car new in Oct. 2003. Just recently replaced water pump. My choice of new tires about 2 years ago. Otherwise only cost is regular service. Have had no other repairs. Love this car! Like the back seats that fold forward for hauling lumber, etc. I like the automatic windows and door lock remote. The space in the trunk is great. The only "minus" that I can think of is because I am only 5 ft. tall, the headrests for passengers block my view and since I rarely have riders I had to remove all but the driver's. 4 family members & 3 friends have bought Toyota's after seeing and/or driving mine! I will ALWAYS drive a Toyota Corolla! Even in winter starts with first try. This car will be mine as long as it stays this reliable. It's doing great, being eleven and a half years since I bought it."

"This Toyota has been an exceptionally reliable, steady performer over the years, still going strong after 153,000 miles. Still gets about 30 mpg just riding around town. The car is dated, of course, but still runs well and shows no signs of slowing down."

"I love this lil gem of a car. Silver is the best color you can get cuz it doesn't show dirt, for a while. i drove this car 107k miles. from 2007 to 2015 and it still runs as new. Why? Because of the maintenance ive kept. I have a portfolio of the maintenance, not a lot of people do that or can even say that. that car has equity. I hate to get rid of it, but I want to move on. you see im a LYFT and an UBER driver now and need to upgrade. this car would be good for a college student, that can drive stick. just to get around in in California, a car like this is definitely needed. So whoever winds-up with my lil gem, a cute/awesome, great fun and another 100k mile left on the car and then some, and will receive the maintenance portfolio."